Development of lowenergy accelerator-based production of medical isotopes

Here we present methods for production of new and existing isotopes for SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) imaging using accelerator-based systems. Such isotopes are already widely used in medical diagnostics and research, and there is constant development of new drugs and isotopes. However the main production method for 99mTc, is currently in research reactors and is at risk due to scheduled and unscheduled shut downs. Therefore, a low cost an alternative accelerator-based system could provide many advantages. Various compact low energy proton machines are being proposed to enable cheap and accessible production: here we present a discussion of potential new SPECT isotopes and simulations of suitable targets for
their manufacture.